A judge in Washington has ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must compensate jazz artist Chuck Redd with over $250,000 in legal fees. This decision follows the dismissal of the centre’s lawsuit against Redd for breach of contract by the same judge, Tanya Jones Bosier of the District of Columbia Superior Court.
In 2025, Redd, a renowned American drummer and vibraphonist also known as Charles, withdrew from his role as host of the centre’s annual free Christmas Eve concert. This action was in response to the controversial addition of Donald Trump’s name to the building’s facade. Redd’s attorney, Lisa J. Banks, stated that no individual should have to endure baseless and politically motivated lawsuits like the one filed by the Trump Administration against Redd.
For years, Redd had been a fixture at the centre’s Christmas Eve concerts, but he backed out of the event last year after Trump’s name was displayed on the building. The Kennedy Center threatened to sue Redd for his last-minute withdrawal, claiming it was intolerant and costly to the non-profit institution. However, the lawsuit was later dismissed by the Washington judge due to the centre’s failure to present a valid breach of contract claim.
In a separate ruling, a U.S. federal judge concluded in May that Trump’s name had been unlawfully added to the Kennedy Center. This legal battle stemmed from ongoing conflicts that arose when Trump assumed control of the centre, leading to significant changes and terminations within the institution’s leadership.
Following the controversy, several prominent figures in arts and culture distanced themselves from the centre or canceled their appearances, including Canadian author Louise Penny and TV producers Shonda Rimes and Issa Rae. The Kennedy Center confirmed the removal of Trump’s name from its facade, although a tarp remained over the scaffolding, obscuring the final outcome.
Despite the court rulings, the Kennedy Center plans to appeal the decision regarding Trump’s name alteration. Redd’s legal team commended the judge’s ruling as fitting, highlighting the attempt by the Trump-influenced centre to suppress opposition to the unauthorized name change.
The Kennedy Center, a renowned institution hosting over 2,000 events annually and home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, remains at the center of this legal and cultural controversy.
